Apr 05, 2019

Summer 2019 Featured Course – Rhetoric 2: Confronting Arguments
Back by popular demand, the Rhetoric Department’s dynamic public speaking course is open for Summer 2019 enrollment!

In Rhetoric 2: Confronting Arguments, students explore how everyday interactions — from small talk at the grocery store to televised political debate — are opportunities to persuade (or be persuaded), and they’ll practice techniques for speaking up when it really matters. This unique, interactive class is a fun way for students to prepare for personal, political, and professional success with others in public and online!

Here’s what past students said about their experience:

Rhetoric 2 will give you a very strong understanding of all things public speaking. – Stanton T, Summer 2017

By the time you finish this class you will be inspired and motivated to deliver your message to the world – and you’ll know exactly how best to do it! – Tom C, Summer 2017

Six weeks ago, I walked into the classroom with fear and anxious, intimidated by the readings, and cultural gaps. But now as I reflect on the past six weeks, I feel so blessed: I am thankful that I got a chance to read masterpieces which I would never have read by myself; I am grateful that during the process of preparing my speeches again and again in front of a mirror, I became more confident, passionate, and willing to reach out to others with a “brave and imaginative soul”; and I am grateful that during this class, I was inspired to understand a lot about myself and step out of my comfort zone for the very first time. – Coco, Summer 2016

Find more information about the course here.

Rhetoric 2 | D | CCN: 14079
Public Speaking
Confronting Arguments
Instructor: Michael Dalebout
4 Units
M/W/F 1:00-3:30pm, Dwinelle 234
This course is a workshop in which students cultivate their own speaking style while developing strengths in skillful communication with diverse audiences in a variety of situations through multiple media. During the six-week term, students will engage in activities designed to foster their skills in written self-presentation, online visual and audio performance, and face-to-face encounters with individuals and groups. To promote the students’ exploration of themselves as public figures, we will explore the views of others who have considered the question of public speech, and who have engaged in public performance in a variety of contexts. The goal of this course is that students who begin with solid English reading and speaking comprehension skills will complete the course with 1) an enhanced capacity to successfully represent themselves and their perspectives in a variety of social circumstances, and 2) a refined sensitivity to how their self-presentation affects the lives of those around them.